State Senate passes bill to fix dangerous gas leaks

Gas leaks that can lead to catastrophic explosions will be fixed right away under a bill passed by the State Senate, said area legislator Mike Barrett.

Massachusetts has had a string of severe blasts in recent years.  In April, twelve people including elderly residents and children were hurt when a duplex in Dorchester exploded, leading to a three-alarm fire.  The source of the leak is still under investigation.  In 2012, a gas leak explosion destroyed a building in Springfield, injuring twenty-one.

The state’s natural gas infrastructure, a source of heat and electricity, has more than 20,000 leaks, according to the Federal Department of Transportation.

“The bill immediately addresses gas leaks that pose public safety threats to cities and towns,” Barrett said.  “It targets the most serious risks first and puts in place a plan to fix others.” 

Barrett added that, according to a recent Conservation Law Foundation study, “leaks cost Massachusetts ratepayers a combined $39 million a year” because the utility costs are passed on.  Fixing the pipeline infrastructure, he said, will also mean less greenhouse gas emissions.

The bill sets up a three-tiered classification system.  Grade 1 hazardous leaks require gas companies to make immediate repairs; Grade 2 leaks, which represent a probable future threat, need to be fixed within a year; Grade 3 non-hazardous leaks must be reevaluated during the next scheduled survey or within a year.

Gas companies must be notified of any major projects for public ways, such as streets and sidewalks, which expose natural gas infrastructure.  The area must then be surveyed for leaks.  In addition, leaks identified within a school zone must be prioritized.

Each gas company will be required to report locations, classification dates and repair schedules of all leaks.

The Senate and House will work towards a compromise bill for final passage and consideration of the governor.